Oxon Hill, Md. — A targeted shooting inside the food court of the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino has left one man dead, according to authorities. The incident occurred just before noon on Wednesday, triggering a swift police response and raising concerns in the surrounding community.
Police Chief George Nader confirmed during a news conference that the victim, believed to be in his 20s, was ordering food when the suspect approached and opened fire. Although initial reports indicated a second man may have been struck by a bullet, further investigation revealed that only the victim suffered injuries in the attack.
Emergency responders found the victim inside the bustling food court, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter managed to escape in a vehicle, sparking an ongoing search by law enforcement. Nader noted that surveillance footage has captured images of the suspect, although specific details about the shooter were not disclosed.
The police chief emphasized that this was not a random act of violence. “It appeared they were looking for this person, chased them down, and this shooting occurred right there in the food court,” he stated. While the motive remains unclear, the incident has raised alarms among local residents and officials alike.
In response to the shooting, several nearby schools were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure while police worked to ensure the area was secure. Metrobus routes, including P90, P94, C11, P96, and P97, were also affected due to the investigation, complicating travel for many in the vicinity.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the food court at MGM National Harbor was closed, although the rest of the hotel and casino remained open to guests. Nader reassured the public that there is no current threat, highlighting a significant decline in violent crime in the MGM area, which has dropped by 32% this year. He characterized the shooting as an isolated incident, stressing, “MGM is safe. The harbor is safe. This was a targeted incident.”
Local officials are working to provide community resources and support in light of the shooting, with many expressing their condolences to the victim’s family. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in public spaces and the ongoing need for vigilance in preventing violence.